DR James Davies says he has "mixed feelings" following the resignation of Boris Johnson. 

The MP for Vale of Clwyd said: "It is with very mixed emotions that I welcome the prime minister’s decision to step down. 

"Sadly, his position had become untenable. Nevertheless, I recognise that he retains many vociferous supporters who will be sad at the news. I share that sadness: he did not deserve much of the criticism he received and he achieved a great deal during his time in office.

"I hope there can now be an orderly transition to new leadership.”

Mr Johnson resigned as Conservative leader in the face of a mass exodus of Government ministers.

On July 6, Dr Davies wrote to Mr Johnson to tender his resignation as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department of Health and Social Care.

He penned: "It has been an honour to assist you and health ministers in this position over the last nine months, and to help this country recover from the Covid pandemic.

“As Prime Minister, you have achieved much that others would simply have found it impossible to achieve — from winning a landslide victory in 2019, to delivering on Brexit, supporting the country through a devastating pandemic and providing steadfast support to Ukraine. Governing is not easy, and you have faced fierce opposition from many who never agreed with the mandate you received to deliver.

“I have strived to offer you my loyalty but regrettably it is clear that the party and the country are no longer governable under your tenure. Integrity and trust must be central to all that we do, but increasingly it has been impossible to defend you in the face of the damaging allegations and perceptions that exist.

“I am greatly saddened by these circumstances. I convey my sincere gratitude for having been given the opportunity to contribute to the workings of government, albeit in a small way.”

The Tory leadership contest is unofficially under way following the resignation of Mr Johnson, PA is reporting. 

The PM finally made the decision to bow out as support for his premiership collapsed around him, with upwards of 50 MPs quitting government and party posts since Tuesday evening.

He will remain as Prime Minister until a successor is in place, expected to be by the time of the Conservative Party conference in October.